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ProCore
®
Operator Video Teaches Proper Techniques
Operator
Training
W
hen you don’t do a
particular job every-
day, it’s always a good
idea to refresh your skills before
jumping into the task. With that in
mind, Toro recently released the
Toro
®
ProCore
®
Operator Training
Video (Part No. 01087SV) to help
sharpen your skills.
Recorded in both English and
Spanish, the video covers the initial
set-up and operation of the ProCore
series of aerators. These aerators
cover a lot of ground so any mis-
steps can slow you down. Taking the
time to view this short video before
aerating is useful for new operators
as well as a nice refresher for sea-
soned operators. The operator’s
manual should also be read in its
entirety to ensure safe and proper
operation.
Some basic tips for good
aeration:
Make sure everything is level
from the start. Mount the aerator
on a level surface and check the
machine to see that it is level before
beginning operation.
Pay close attention to the Power
Take Off (PTO) shaft. The PTO
cannot be too long or it will damage
the shaft or gearbox. It may need to
be changed by the equipment tech-
nician.
Use the best settings. The aerator
should be set to lift about 4 inches
(10 cm) off the ground during oper-
ation. Adjust the aerator to a 4-
degree forward angle for the best
holes. NEVER angle the aerator
rearward or damage may occur to
the machine or turf.
Get the right tines and set the
penetration. There are a variety of
tines to choose from. The depth
chart in the operator’s manual has a
guide to tines and proper settings.
Set the tine depth the same on both
sides of the aerator. If tine depth is
changed, recheck the aerator angle
to ensure it is still 4 degrees.
Practice using the aerator. Before
actually aerating the course, find a
clear area and practice stopping and
starting and rais-
ing and lowering
the aerator. Be
sure to mark all
obstacles on the
course to avoid
things like irriga-
tion heads and
electrical wires.
Any debris like
rocks that will
damage the aera-
tor should also be
removed.
Start correctly.
To begin aerating,
use a low tractor
engine rpm in an
appropriate gear.
Set the speed
between .6 and
2.5 miles per
hour (.97 and
4.02 kmh). As
you begin and the
tractor moves for-
ward, fully lower
the 3-point link-
age and increase the engine speed
until you reach 540 rpm on the
PTO. The machine must be on the
ground when set at 540 rpm. The
aerator may be damaged if the tines
are not working in the turf when
operated at full speed.
Use the right front tractor wheel
as a site guide. The right front trac-
tor wheel should be used as a site
guide to maintain equal lateral hole
spacing with the previous pass. This
will allow you to use the offset of
the aerator to stay off the area you
already aerated.
Stop correctly. When finished
aerating, lower the engine rpm, raise
the aerator, depress the clutch on
the tractor with your foot and stop
the PTO.
Always stop for people. If anyone
comes near the area of operation,
move off the area you’re aerating and
stop the machine until the area is
clear. Since tines are pummeling the
surface of the turf, a tine may break
and fly off or debris may fly out
from the aerator. Always be aware of
any people around you.
The new ProCore
®
Operator
Training Video is available from
your local distributor. Other new
operator training videos available
include: the Groundsmaster
®
3500
(Part No. 00061SV), Groundsmaster
®
4000 (Part No. 01085SV), and the
Greensmaster
®
Flex
TM
21 (Part No.
01086SV). Each video is $16 US.
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